LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- Jaylon Johnson has quietly become one of the NFL’s top cover cornerbacks, a relentless presence who challenges No. 1 wide receivers each week. But he recognizes there’s even more he must accomplish to earn that league-wide respect of his positional peers.
As Johnson and the Bears negotiate a potential contract extension, he knows there’s still plenty to prove.
"My accolades and my ability don't match up,” Johnson said. “I mean, I definitely have All-Pro talent, for sure Pro Bowl talent. I go out there and lock those guys up.
“I'm a reality guy. I can look at the All-Pro list and I'm not on there. I still believe in myself 100%."
Johnson, 24, has just one interception over 39 career games – but that isn’t necessarily a reflection of his performance. He views it as proof of his physical style of play against wide receivers that prevents opportunities from
“You don’t get to see the ball coming too often,” Johnson said. “A lot of times, I don’t get the gifts. I don’t get the tipped passes that other people get. I don’t get the underthrown balls. I don’t get any of that. It’s a combination of some of the things I do, and sometimes you’re just lucky. I mean, I haven’t had that go my way too much.”
On Wednesday morning, the Bears and tight end Cole Kmet reached an agreement on a four-year, $50-million contract extension. It marked a key investment by general manager Ryan Poles in one of the core players he inherited on this roster.
Kmet and Johnson were each selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Both players have emerged as top players for the Bears and key leaders for this team. It’s only logical to believe Johnson’s contract extension – along with that for wide receiver Darnell Mooney – will come next.
“I’d say like the relationship’s good,” Poles said of Johnson on Thursday. “He’s out showing that he can perform at a high level and becoming the player that he wants to be and improve. So that’s all I can really say about that.”
Johnson reported to the Bears for mandatory veteran minicamp in June and was present with the team this week as training camp began at Halas Hall. He elected not to conduct a contract holdout or hold-in and said he will not miss any games if a deal isn’t reached by the start of the season.
“I want to win,” Johnson said. “I know accolades come with winning, too. It’s not too often you just go out here and don’t win games and get all those accolades. So, I’m really worried about winning and doing my part and playing at a high level, and I feel like everybody will reap the benefits from it.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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